iVillage: Stars' Secrets to Shaping Up

Jessica Simpson

Hot mama! After giving birth to Maxwell Drew on May 1, Jessica Simpson has been working hard with her Weight Watchers group, as well as with fitness guru Harley Pasternak, to shed the baby weight -- and it's working! The "Fashion Star" judge and iVillage guest editor unveiled her post-baby physique during a recent trip to New York City and told iVillage exclusively that she's feeling good in her clothes again, only four months after giving birth. What's her secret? "Every week I set a goal," she tells iVillage. "I think that it's really important to pat ourselves on the back every week -- or even if we don't meet that goal, to go through the frustration of not meeting it, and having it encourage us to work harder next week." She tells us, "This definitely improves your relationship with yourself by making you stronger and more motivated." Get inspired by Jessica and become your biggest fan! Create a weight-loss plan and track your progress week-by-week. Celebrate each pound that you lose and every extra push-up you do. If you slip up, don't be hard on yourself -- use that disappointment to fuel your efforts to reach your next goal.

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Hot mama! After giving birth to Maxwell Drew on May 1, Jessica Simpson has been working hard with her Weight Watchers group, as well as with fitness guru Harley Pasternak, to shed the baby weight -- and it's working! The "Fashion Star" judge and iVillage guest editor unveiled her post-baby physique during a recent trip to New York City and told iVillage exclusively that she's feeling good in her clothes again, only four months after giving birth. What's her secret? "Every week I set a goal," she tells iVillage. "I think that it's really important to pat ourselves on the back every week -- or even if we don't meet that goal, to go through the frustration of not meeting it, and having it encourage us to work harder next week." She tells us, "This definitely improves your relationship with yourself by making you stronger and more motivated." Get inspired by Jessica and become your biggest fan! Create a weight-loss plan and track your progress week-by-week. Celebrate each pound that you lose and every extra push-up you do. If you slip up, don't be hard on yourself -- use that disappointment to fuel your efforts to reach your next goal.

Cameron Diaz has long been a fixture on best body lists, and now that the star is 40 she's only getting stronger. Diaz recently told "Access Hollywood" that she "loves getting older." Well, with that flawless physique, who wouldn't love it? Her secret to staying fit at 40 is a combination of Pilates, surfing and running to target different muscles. "My [butt] is definitely higher than it was when I was 20," says Diaz. "This is the thing that people don’t understand: Take care of your body [and it will] get better! It gets better as I get older." If you've got a milestone birthday approaching, change up your routine and add in a new workout, like boxing or hiking, for improved results.

There's no better way to get over a break-up than to invest in yourself. And that's just what Jennie Garth did when she shed 20 lbs. after her split with husband Peter Facinelli. To weather the emotional rollercoaster, the actress not only hit the gym for circuit training, but she also headed outside for running, hiking and horseback riding. "She'd push over a tractor tire, then do push-ups, then jump rope, do deadlifts and run for a bit," trainer Shannon Stewart tells Us Weekly. Ride out a stormy time in your life by ramping up your workouts -- you'll feel better and get stronger (both mentally and physically) in the process.

As her due date nears, actress Drew Barrymore isn't sitting back and letting her pregnancy weigh her down. The star, who was recently spotted in L.A. with her large baby bump and yoga mat in tow, seems to be practicing her oms, which is an excellent choice to keep her fit during pregnancy and also a good way to practice her breathing. According to the Mayo Clinic, doing yoga while pregnant can reduce stress, increase the strength and flexibility you need for childbirth and decrease lower back pain. Whether you're six weeks or six months along, try gentle yoga to prepare for being a new mom like Drew.

While many moms can't find the time to workout after giving birth, actress Kate Hudson made the time -- six hours a day to be exact. "I would do 45 or 55 minutes of cardio then an hour of Pilates or yoga, three times a day," Hudson, who gave birth to baby Bingham in July 2011, told Star magazine. Because she admitted to struggling to lose the baby weight after her first pregnancy, the actress now maintains her weight loss thanks to a routine involving biking, Pilates sessions, and dancing. While Hudson's discipline is impressive, most moms may not have that much time to devote to shedding the baby weight. If that's the case, do a modified version of the star's routine by trying a variety of classes throughout the week: 60 minutes of Pilates on Monday, running on Wednesday and go for a bike ride on Friday.

With a new daytime talk show, Katie Couric is ramping up for the new professional challenge with a high-speed workout routine. According to the New York Post, Couric -- pictured with one of her fitness instructors -- has taken up the fast-paced, calorie-burning regimen of Spinning to stay in shape and maintain her camera-ready figure. Stationary bikes are great for losing weight and for improving muscle endurance. Plus, according to LiveStrong.com, it is a low-impact workout, making it perfect for those with joint issues. If you're starting a new job, why not start a new workout regimen like Spinning -- not only will a new exercise invigorate your daily routine, but it'll give you more energy to put your best face forward.